The National Peace Council has instructed public school in the country not to compel students of a different religion to attend devotion or participate in any act of worship without their consent.
This was contained in the communiqué issued after a national stakeholder’s forum on religious tolerance convened by the Council.
[contextly_sidebar id=”Sm8UpyX1pytDHDf3TwNIJJxMNIesX3L3″]The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference earlier defended its stance in support of the continuation of compulsory morning devotion in Catholic Schools and advised students who cannot abide by the rules to “go somewhere else.”
According to the Conference, the students, including Muslims, who go to Christian schools are aware of the school’s practices, accept the conditions before they are admitted and, as a result, have no grounds for complaint.
However the Peace Council at a forum held on Tuesday watered down cliams by the Conference and asked public schools not to compel students of a different religion to participate in acts of worship.
“Taking into consideration the provisions of the constitution on human rights, no public school shall require students who are followers of a different religion to participate in acts of worship, devotion or fellowship without their concerns or the concern of their parents;this is without prejudice to the general assembly which precede daily school activity,” the Council said.
Recommendations
After an open and exhaustive deliberation,the stakeholders guided by the issues raised gave other recommendations.
The Peace Council recommended that an independent inter religious body should be set up to work closely with the National Peace Council in order to provide a platform for dialogue
They also tasked the GES to provide a policy framework for the creation of an acceptable dress code and the use of religious symbols in schools, taking into consideration the legitimate concerns of interested religious groups.
That all schools or institutions must create an environment where students feel welcome without any fear of discrimination or victimisation on religious grounds
That reasonable space allowance or facilities shall be provided for students to congregate for the purpose of prayer or act of worship at times and places which do not conflict with teaching and learning.
That parties concerned should seriously consider the suggestion that in schools funded by the state, a general prayer without any specific peculiarities at the morning assembly or any other general student gathering should be offered or done on alternative basis or done at the same time.
In the pursuit of Ghana’s religious undertakings, Ghanaians should be guided by the fact that Ghana is a secular state and also be guided by an abiding commitment to National Peace, unity and development.
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By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah